League considering Mets-Nationals game in 2020 in London
Major League Baseball is considering one of two matchups for its 2020 series in London: New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals or Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals.
Two people familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press of the potential matchups. They spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no announcements had been authorized. An announcement is expected after opening day this year.
MLB’s first games in Britain are scheduled for this summer, when the World Series champion Boston Red Sox play the New York Yankees on June 29-30 at London’s Olympic Stadium. The venue was built for the 2012 Olympics and reconfigured for the Premier League club West Ham United.
Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement calls for a 2020 opener in Asia, April games in Mexico, May games in Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic and June games in Britain.
Mets sign INF Espinosa
Danny Espinosa and the New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
The veteran switch-hitter gives the Mets even more depth in a crowded infield. He could be a backup option at shortstop behind Amed Rosario.
Espinosa spent last season in Triple-A with three organizations: the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Phillies. He was released by Philadelphia in August.
The 31-year-old is a .221 career hitter with 98 homers and 316 RBIs in 872 major league games over eight seasons with the Nationals, Angels, Mariners and Rays. He has mostly played second base but was Washington’s everyday shortstop in 2016, when he batted .209 with a career-high 24 home runs and 72 RBIs.
Espinosa has also played third base, first base and left field in the big leagues.
Lindor may miss start of season
The Cleveland Indians may start the season without their best player.
All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor will miss spring training camp — and maybe the start of the season — with a strained right calf. It’s an injury that is concerning to the AL Central champions, who have had an interesting offseason.
One of baseball’s top all-around players, Lindor recently got hurt while working out in Orlando, Fla. He was checked Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic and team physician Mark Shickendantz confirmed a moderate sprain.
The Indians, who have overhauled their roster this winter, anticipate him missing up to nine weeks, which would place his return sometime in early April. Cleveland opens the regular season on March 28 in Minnesota.
The loss of Lindor for any period is a major blow to the three-time defending division champions. The 25-year-old is an offensive force, elite defensive player and will be counted on to provide more leadership this season following the departures of outfielder Michael Brantley and catcher Yan Gomes.